Engine, drive and handling
With oil burners becoming the hot favorites in India, Audi offers the 2014 A8L with an option of two engines: A 4 litre V8 TFSI gasoline and the 3 litre TDI V6 tested here. The turbocharged V6 displaces 2967cc and produces a hefty 254bhp@4000-4250 rpm. The torque figure 580Nm @ 1750-2500rpm is even more impressive. This engine has been mated to 8 speed tiptronic and delivers power to all wheels via Audi`s proprietary Quattro tech. The V6 endows this 2.5 tonner with a 0-100 dash in 6.1 seconds flat! What astonishes us more is the refinement of the engine whether it’s idling or spinning merrily at 2000 rpm while on a motorway.
Audi has also employed Active Noise cancellation which improves the overall experience; the refinement of a gasoline motor is hardly missed. The double acoustic glazed windows drastically cut down on the wind noise and other worldly sounds.
It’s a well known fact that diesels are all about torque they wring out, thus when you have 580Nm at a tap of your feet, the in gear acceleration redefines the word effortless. Max torque coming in at low and usable rev band coupled with 8 tightly stacked cogs give little work out to the engine. The ratios are swapped swiftly without a hint of jerkiness, the V6 tugs the A8 without hesitation or drama. While the V6 red lines at 5000rpm, it has enough juice to stay under 3000rpm in normal driving conditions. That says, it’s still displays eagerness to revs, if that’s the need of the hour.
The yacht style gear shifter still remains a bit difficult to master while selecting the desired drive mode as before, but feels great to operate. Once slot in perfectly, the A8L will whisk you away to an electronically limited 250kmph with the clinical precision of a hitman. In case you are in a mood to test its handling, this 5.2 metre long yacht on wheels will oblige as long as you are mindful of its proportions. The feedback from the electro-mechanical steering is good and not artificial.
The A8L rides on air springs equipped with adaptive suspension which automatically regulates the ride height as well as infinitely variable adaptive damper control. The ride quality remains near velvety thanks to the assistance from 235/55 profile rubber and seldom gets bone jarring. The A8’s high speed manners are impeccable though it prefers minimum sudden changes in direction.
Verdict
As before, the A8L exists with the top motive of travel in luxury. The rear seats with zillion options/settings and gadgets to play with are aimed purely at maximizing comfort, and the A8L accomplishes that perfectly. While the interiors remain more or less the same (read opulent), externally the A8L has received fine upgrades to make it more desirable than ever. Equipped with cutting edge technology like the Matrix LED headlights as well as incorporation of lifestyle class brand, Bang & Olufsen, the Audi parking system, Audi’s 2014 A8L leaves little to complain about.
Price as tested: Rs 1.1 crore
Thanks for the suggestions, Akshay. We have made some changes in the copy
Not very written, here is some critique if I may.
“The new 3 spoke steering wheel is has great finish.” – Great finish? That’s it? This could have been explained in more detail
“A genuine space saver spare wheel with a speed limit.” – A genuine wheel would be a full size wheel.
“Rear view parking camera, a must on a high end luxury sedan” – Well, it’s available on even the basic car models these days
Motoroids, please make sure that the review are more detailed and properly edited before publishing.
Thanks